Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere

US Air Force Operational Weather Structure and The Meteorological Forecast Process

Abstract:
The operational design and strategic construct of weather operations within the Air Force weather architecture is rapidly changing. The motto of “bring the future faster” has allowed for the introduction of unconventional training methods and forecasting techniques being utilized by todays weather operators. New capability requirements upgrades to our weather data assimilation center has restructured the way Air Force weather operations utilizes numerical weather modeling and forecasting.

Bio:
Maj Kerrin Caldwell is currently the chief of Weather Requirements and Resources located at Air Combat Command Headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. As Chief, she manages and tracks the US Air Force Weather Weapons System capability requirements program. Since graduating and commissioning from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, She has served in various operational leadership positions. This includes serving as the Joint METOC Officer to the Commander of the Joint Task Force Migration Operations Team in Guantamo Bay, Cuba, lead meteorologist for multinational weather operations and security cooperation in the U.S. Southern Command area of operations, as well as Chief of the Weather Specialty Team at the Air Operations Center at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.